"A marsh clad island is a place alive. It ripples sleekly beneath the wind's stroking, altering mood and texture with every caress and pummel.

-- Tom Horton

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FAQ's Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Captain John Smith?
A: Captain John Smith (1580-1631), born the son a farmer in Lincolnshire, England, left home to seek adventure and fortune, and by the young age of 24 years had already served with brilliance in the Dutch Wars and in the Near East. He escaped his Turkish captors and returned to England in 1604 where he became interested in the newly chartered Virginia Company and made arrangements to be among the first settlers in 1606. Due to jealousies among the leaders of the transatlantic expedition, Smith arrived to Jamestown in chains. However, after opening a sealed box of instructions from The Virginia Company upon landing, Smith learned he was to be a member of the Council of the Colony.

His resourcefulness and energies proved more and more valuable to the colonists, until he was singled out as the leader and President of Jamestown. He explored the territory in and around the Chesapeake Bay, traded with the Chesapeake Bay Indians for food, enforced order and work among the settlers, and probably saved Jamestown Colony. As chronicled in his descriptive writings, Smith's voyages ignited the imagination of the Old World. Furthermore, his rise to President of the Jamestown colony personified the chance for a better life that would become the American dream for generations of immigrants.

Q: When did Captain Smith explore the Chesapeake Bay?
A: After enduring a lengthy voyage of over four months from England to the New World, Smith's first exploration of the Chesapeake Bay began in April 1607 as he and the surviving English colonist's began their search for a proper settlement. The expedition scouted the James River until settling on James Island on May 14, 1607.

The following year, Smith circumnavigated the Chesapeake Bay and explored its tributaries during two monumental voyages, both starting from Jamestown. On the first voyage, he traveled north along the eastern shore, exploring the mouth of the Pocomoke River and traveling some distance up the Nanticoke River into what is now Delaware. From there, he continued north on the Bay as far as present-day Baltimore and the Patapsco River, then headed south along the western shore, exploring the Potomac River and some of its tributaries to a point northwest of present-day Washington, DC, before returning to Jamestown. On the second voyage, Smith went straight up the Bay to the Susquehanna River and present-day Havre de Grace, exploring the Patuxent and Rappahannock Rivers on his return trip southward. In early 1609, Smith also explored the York River, Mattaponi River and Pamunkey River.

Q: Where is the trail/What is the trail?
A: The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail consists of a circuit of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries combining the routes of Smith's historic voyages in 1607-1609. See the National Park Service Web site http://www.nps.gov/cajo for information on the trail's development. Printed maps and guides are available through visitors centers and provide historical, cultural and environmental information. In addition, interpretative buoys now mark six spots along the trail. Accessible through the Internet and cellular phones, the buoys will provide important cultural, geographic and historical information while transmitting real-time scientific data to the world-wide-web. Visit http://www.buoybay.org or call 1-866-BOUYBAY.

View the National Park Service trail map showing John Smith's voyages.

Q: Why are Smith and his voyages of discovery significant?
A: May 2007 marked the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown and the beginning of Captain Smith's epic voyages of exploration and mapping of the Chesapeake Bay region. These events marked an historical pivot point, setting the Chesapeake Bay region on a course that would forever transform its culture, commerce and environment. Smith's arrival also set the stage for revolutionary political, social and economic developments destined to shape the broader course of western civilization. As reported in the National Park Service Statement of National Significance, the trail is of national significance for its association with the following themes: 1) ethnic heritage (Native Americans); (2) exploration and settlement and (3) commerce and trade. 

Q: Who was involved in the effort to create the trail?
A: The Friends of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Water Trail was founded by Gilbert Grosvenor, Chairman of the National Geographic Society, William Baker, President of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Patrick Noonan, Chairman Emeritus of The Conservation Fund. The original mission of the group was to celebrate the unique history and environment of the Chesapeake Bay while highlighting efforts to restore the Chesapeake's health and creating a lasting legacy for future generations through the establishment of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.

Other key partners included the Chesapeake Bay Commission, Chesapeake Executive Council, DuPont Corporation, Garden Club of America, Izaak Walton League of America, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Sultana Projects, Inc., the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Park Service, the Jamestown 400th Commemoration Commission and numerous government representatives from the States of Maryland and Delaware and the Commonwealths of Virginia and Pennsylvania. In addition, over twenty counties, eighteen cities, towns and chambers of commerce, as well as several marine trade organizations, river associations, landowners and educational groups, have thus far voiced their support of the trail via letters and/or resolutions.

Q: What does it take to establish a National Historic Trail?
A: To establish a National Historic Trail (NHT), the trail must meet criteria required by the National Trail System Act (NTSA). Criteria include (1) trail or route established by historic use and historically significant as a result of that use; (2) national significance with respect to any of several broad facets of American history; and (3) significant potential for public recreational use or historical interest based on historic interpretation and appreciation. Typically, the NPS will conduct a feasibility study to determine if a trail meets the above criteria under legislation passed by the Congress. Pending a positive recommendation from the NPS, the Congress can pass legislation to establish the trail.

Q: What did the NPS Feasibility study find?
A: On August 2, 2005, President Bush signed bipartisan legislation to authorize the NPS to study the feasibility and desirability of establishing the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. In March 2006, the National Landmarks Committee and the National Park System Advisory Board found that Smith's voyages are nationally significant. The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail Feasibility Study and Environmental Assessment, which incorporates the statement of national significance, was released for public comment on July 17, 2006.

The NPS found that the trail fully meets the required criteria and recommended federal designation as a National Historic Trail. The 30-day public comment period on the study report ends on August 16, 2006.

Q: What legislative path did the trail follow?
A: Based on the finding of national significance, on April 6, 2006, Senator Paul Sarbanes (D-MD) and Senator John Warner (R-VA) introduced bipartisan legislation, S. 2568, to establish the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. The bill would designate "a series of water routes extending approximately 3,000 miles along the Chesapeake Bay," that traces the 1607 -1609 voyages of Captain John Smith. On May 24, 2006, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources unanimously approved S.2568, reporting the bill to the full Senate. Also on May 24, 2006, Representative Jo Ann Davis (R-VA) introduced companion House legislation, H.R. 5466 to establish the trail. On September 28, 2006, the Subcommittee on National Parks in the House Resources Committee held a hearing on H.R. 5466, where the Bush Administration testified in support of trail establishment based on the findings of the trail feasibility study.

In early December 2006, Congress passed H.R. 5466, and on December 19, 2006, President Bush signed the bill into law authorizing the establishment of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail!

Q: Who will benefit from the trail?
A: The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail will offer recreational enthusiasts a world-class outdoor experience showcasing the unmatched scenic resources and abundant wildlife of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Of equal significance, the trail will advance public awareness and knowledge of Chesapeake Native American history, the struggles of the early English settlement and the foundations of democracy in America.

The trail will also encourage a greater understanding of the region's abundant ecological attributes while promoting economic development throughout the Chesapeake Bay region. As this national treasure is more fully appreciated by residents and visitors alike via a new National Historic Trail, the Chesapeake Bay itself will likely benefit as more and more people recognize the threatened ecological condition of the Bay and gain knowledge of the actions necessary to restore the Bay to its full health.

Q: What are the educational benefits from the trail?
A: The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail provides an excellent opportunity for the public to learn about the Chesapeake's rich cultural heritage as well as the extraordinary natural resources of the United State's largest estuary. The trail provides an extraordinary occasion to bring history to life and to excite an entire generation of young people to learn about the many historical, natural, and recreational assets of the Chesapeake Bay.

Along with the NPS, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has deployed six interpretive buoys along Smith's route. The buoy system collects and distributes scientific, cultural, and historic information via the Internet and cellular technology to give the public an additional opportunity to experience Smith's journeys and discover the roots of American democracy. The trail could also promote public education through: trail maps and guidebooks, classroom/distance learning and field trip experiences, museum exhibits, and informational kiosks along the shore.

Q: What are the economic benefits from the trail?
A: The trail offers tremendous economic opportunities through heritage and recreational tourism, such as trail outfitting and guide services, motor coach tours, food, lodging, and maritime commerce. In fact, cultural heritage travelers spend more and stay longer than the average tourist.

In general, trails tend to have large annual net economic benefits associated with the addition of jobs and significant opportunities to local businesses. More specific to a water trail, trail outfitters and guide services will benefit from canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts, one of the fastest growing forms of outdoor recreation.

In addition to the long-term economic benefits discussed above, short-term economic benefits focused around the 400th anniversary celebrations include the shallop museum tour, the shallop reenactment tour, community projects for schools and local initiatives for sponsoring community celebrations and events.

Q: How much will the trail cost?
A: Based on information provided by the NPS, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that establishing, developing and administering the trail would cost approximately $2 million over the 2007-2011 period. Of this amount, it is estimated that the NPS would spend a total of $400,000 over the next two years to prepare a comprehensive management plan for the trail and approximately $500,000 annually beginning in 2009 to maintain the trail, develop access sites and install interpretive signs. A public-private partnership of funding will provide for the appropriate technical assistance and administration of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.

Q: Who will manage the trail?
A: The NPS will manage the trail in partnership with other federal agencies, state and local governments, non-profit organization(s) and the private sector. The Director of NPS, Mary Bomar, recently named John Maounis Trail Superintendent for the newly-established Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.

Q: When will the trail be operational?
A: The NPS is preparing a Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP) for the trail. The release of the CMP will include a public process to solicit comments and encourage public participation associated with implementation of the trail. Segments of the trail are currently operational at the state level, such as Captain John Smith's Trail along the James River currently managed by Virginia's Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Q: Do Native Americans support the trail?
A: On May 8, 2006, the Virginia Council on Indians (VCI) signed a resolution in support of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. The Council is composed of representatives from the following tribes: Chickahominy, Eastern Chickahominy, Mattaponi, Monacan Indian Nation, Nansemond, Pamunkey, Rappahanock and Upper Mattaponi.

The local Native American populations of the Bay interacted extensively with John Smith and the early English settlers, providing them with valuable knowledge and trades goods, which were largely responsible for their survival during the early days of the Jamestown colony. The trail would be an excellent vehicle to educate the public about American Indian culture and history as well as to tell the story of English settlement not just from the European perspective, but also from the American Indian perspective.

Q: How are the Chesapeake Interpretive Buoys related to the trail?
A: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Chesapeake Bay Office has developed a Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy System (CBIBS) through funding provided by Congress. Additional funds have been made available to develop classroom and community activities through the NOAA Bay Watershed Education and Training Program.

NOAA is continuing to develop the buoy's technical, educational and interactive components. CBIBS will provide educational and interactive components relayed via cellular telephones to nearby skippers and kayakers and via the Internet to students in the classroom. In addition to education, the buoys will have many other recreational, commercial and maritime applications.

Q: How does this project relate to the Captain John Smith 400 Project?
A: The Captain John Smith Four Hundred Project, a multi-year educational effort to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Smith's voyages, was developed by Sultana Projects in Chestertown, Maryland, as a signature product for the Friends of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Water Trail. The focal point of the effort is the full-scale reproduction of John Smith's "shallop", the 25- to 30-foot open boat used by Smith and his crew to explore the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

The replica was constructed in 2005.  Sultana Projects, Inc. is a non-profit educational organization and is known for providing educational programs on board its reproduction of the 1768 schooner Sultana. Based upon extensive research, the two-piece design of the shallop is thought to be similar to the design originally employed by the Jamestown expedition nearly 400 years ago.

The shallop was ceremoniously launched in November 2006 into the Chester River prior to its 2006 museum tour and 2007 commemorative reenactment expedition (see below).

Q: When and where was the reenactment tour of Smith's voyages?
A: On May 12th, 2007, a crew of fourteen brave adventurers, historians, writers, scientists, and teachers embarked on a 121-day voyage to reenact Captain John Smith's legendary explorations of the Chesapeake employing Sultana's replica of Smith's shallop.

Propelled by oar and sail alone, the voyage spanned more than 1,100 miles and visited most of the Bay's major tributaries. The shallop and her crew began their journey in Historic Jamestown, following Smith's 400-year old footsteps, continued in three legs:

  • Jamestown to Washington, DC, between May 12th and July 1st, 2007;
  • Washington, DC, to Havre de Grace between July 2nd and July 2nd, 2007; and
  • Havre de Grace back to Jamestown between July 23rd and September 8th, 2007.

The shallop made many stops along the route where the public came out to see the shallop and the exhibit about Smith's voyages. Local hosts of the shallop stops included state parks, museums and city harbors. More information about the reenactment voyage may be found at the following website: http://www.johnsmith400.org/.

Q: Will the National Historic Trail designation restrict current land/water use?
A: As requested by Congress, the NPS conducted an extensive analysis of the potential impacts the designation of the trail as a National Historic Trail would likely have on land and water, including docks and piers, along the proposed route or bordering the study route that is privately owned at the time of the study. The NPS concluded the following: "there is an extensive number of public and private boating facilities located throughout the Chesapeake Bay. This existing infrastructure is available to support boating activities including those associated with the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. The states have sufficient laws and regulations in place that can address issues that may arise as a result of boat traffic along the trail. The trail will not place any additional requirements on property owners who want to dredge or maintain or construct marinas, piers, docks, slips, boat ramps or shoreline protection. In light of the above, this study has determined there will not be a significant impact on private properties as a result of establishing the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail."

Both the Senate (S. 2568) and House (H.R. 5466) bills to establish the trail include the following private property protection language: "the United States shall not acquire for the trail any land or interest in land outside the exterior boundary of any federally-managed area without the consent of the owner of the land or interest in land."

Q: Did John Smith come by my house/town?
A: The NPS trail map shows the route of John Smith's historic 1607-1609 voyages of discovery of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. View our version of the map to see if John Smith and his crew explored your community.